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UAL foundation -fashion and textiles pathway

Does anyone have any tips for the portfolio step in applying as I would like to know whether I should interlace my fine art or keep it strictly fashion!! Any input would be extremely useful!

Reply 1

I would say keep it strictly fashion as it shows intent for the area you want to specialise within.

Reply 2

Original post
by Anonymous
I would say keep it strictly fashion as it shows intent for the area you want to specialise within.


Well 3/4 projects im including are fashion based but I’ll still include a smaller fine arts project to show artistic range ! Thank you so much for your input!!

Reply 3

Aaa i really need advice

Reply 4

Original post
by Anonymous
Aaa i really need advice

Hi, I received an offer for UAL FAD last year so I can offer any support, if it's not too late?

Reply 5

Original post
by Anonymous
Hi, I received an offer for UAL FAD last year so I can offer any support, if it's not too late?


I already sent off my portfolio last night but I would still love to hear what your tips would be

Reply 6

Original post
by Anonymous
I already sent off my portfolio last night but I would still love to hear what your tips would be

Good luck with your submission!! My advice would have been to have a mix of fashion and other disciplines that interest you - your idea of interlacing fine art would have been just fine. A variety of media and processes, whether it's textiles, acrylics, charcoal or photography, showcasing individuality and a unique, inventive and personal approach to concepts and ideas are what they're looking for.

Pieces don't necessarily have to be polished - they're looking for strong potential, moreso than technical skills, as those can be taught. They especially look for research and investigative skills, so showing process work and a clear and reasoned progression of ideas really appeal to them. Showing failed attempts and what you took away from that experience to inform another piece is an example of this, where you'll simultaneously show them your research and exploration skills, as well as somewhat stand out from other applicants who only show finished, polished projects. This is why they love seeing sketchbook work.

Getting into the Fashion pathway at UAL is notoriously difficult due to the sheer volume of competitive applications, so anything that can get you to stand out is a good edge. While I'm sure you made a good application, please don't feel too disheartened if you don't manage to get on the pathway the first time round. If they recognise that you're still a good applicant regardless, they'll likely offer you diagnostic as an alternative and you have a second shot in Part 2. The fact that you're committing to such a competitive discipline and willing to do an additional year to develop your skills at FAD and improve your chances in getting into UAL is a testament to your character, so don't sweat it too much. I wish you luck!!

Reply 7

Original post
by Anonymous
Good luck with your submission!! My advice would have been to have a mix of fashion and other disciplines that interest you - your idea of interlacing fine art would have been just fine. A variety of media and processes, whether it's textiles, acrylics, charcoal or photography, showcasing individuality and a unique, inventive and personal approach to concepts and ideas are what they're looking for.
Pieces don't necessarily have to be polished - they're looking for strong potential, moreso than technical skills, as those can be taught. They especially look for research and investigative skills, so showing process work and a clear and reasoned progression of ideas really appeal to them. Showing failed attempts and what you took away from that experience to inform another piece is an example of this, where you'll simultaneously show them your research and exploration skills, as well as somewhat stand out from other applicants who only show finished, polished projects. This is why they love seeing sketchbook work.
Getting into the Fashion pathway at UAL is notoriously difficult due to the sheer volume of competitive applications, so anything that can get you to stand out is a good edge. While I'm sure you made a good application, please don't feel too disheartened if you don't manage to get on the pathway the first time round. If they recognise that you're still a good applicant regardless, they'll likely offer you diagnostic as an alternative and you have a second shot in Part 2. The fact that you're committing to such a competitive discipline and willing to do an additional year to develop your skills at FAD and improve your chances in getting into UAL is a testament to your character, so don't sweat it too much. I wish you luck!!


i’ve applied too, this is really useful thank you!

Reply 8

Original post
by Anonymous
Good luck with your submission!! My advice would have been to have a mix of fashion and other disciplines that interest you - your idea of interlacing fine art would have been just fine. A variety of media and processes, whether it's textiles, acrylics, charcoal or photography, showcasing individuality and a unique, inventive and personal approach to concepts and ideas are what they're looking for.
Pieces don't necessarily have to be polished - they're looking for strong potential, moreso than technical skills, as those can be taught. They especially look for research and investigative skills, so showing process work and a clear and reasoned progression of ideas really appeal to them. Showing failed attempts and what you took away from that experience to inform another piece is an example of this, where you'll simultaneously show them your research and exploration skills, as well as somewhat stand out from other applicants who only show finished, polished projects. This is why they love seeing sketchbook work.
Getting into the Fashion pathway at UAL is notoriously difficult due to the sheer volume of competitive applications, so anything that can get you to stand out is a good edge. While I'm sure you made a good application, please don't feel too disheartened if you don't manage to get on the pathway the first time round. If they recognise that you're still a good applicant regardless, they'll likely offer you diagnostic as an alternative and you have a second shot in Part 2. The fact that you're committing to such a competitive discipline and willing to do an additional year to develop your skills at FAD and improve your chances in getting into UAL is a testament to your character, so don't sweat it too much. I wish you luck!!


I’m really hoping that if I don’t get straight on to the fashion pathway that they consider me for diagnostic as my portfolio showcases around 10 different mediums but obviously all in development of either fashion or textile design!!

Reply 9

Original post
by Anonymous
Good luck with your submission!! My advice would have been to have a mix of fashion and other disciplines that interest you - your idea of interlacing fine art would have been just fine. A variety of media and processes, whether it's textiles, acrylics, charcoal or photography, showcasing individuality and a unique, inventive and personal approach to concepts and ideas are what they're looking for.
Pieces don't necessarily have to be polished - they're looking for strong potential, moreso than technical skills, as those can be taught. They especially look for research and investigative skills, so showing process work and a clear and reasoned progression of ideas really appeal to them. Showing failed attempts and what you took away from that experience to inform another piece is an example of this, where you'll simultaneously show them your research and exploration skills, as well as somewhat stand out from other applicants who only show finished, polished projects. This is why they love seeing sketchbook work.
Getting into the Fashion pathway at UAL is notoriously difficult due to the sheer volume of competitive applications, so anything that can get you to stand out is a good edge. While I'm sure you made a good application, please don't feel too disheartened if you don't manage to get on the pathway the first time round. If they recognise that you're still a good applicant regardless, they'll likely offer you diagnostic as an alternative and you have a second shot in Part 2. The fact that you're committing to such a competitive discipline and willing to do an additional year to develop your skills at FAD and improve your chances in getting into UAL is a testament to your character, so don't sweat it too much. I wish you luck!!


Thank you so much for this I hope that students applying for 2026 see this when they research!!

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